Lt. Michael P. Murphy

By in Military Leaders

Lt. Michael P. Murphy

 

 

071001-N-0000X-001

 

 Lt. Michael P. Murphy was born on May 7, 1976 in Smithtown, New York located on Long Island to parents Maureen and Daniel Murphy. Mr. Murphy was raised in Patchogue on Long Island where around his High School he was know as the “protector”. Michael on several occasions stuck up for people in need, including once in middle school when a child with special needs was being bullied. Michael graduated high school in 1994, from there he would further his education at Penn State. Graduating with degrees in both political science and psychology, Michael was engaged to his girlfriend Heather in 2004. Michael turned down law school and attended the SEAL mentoring sessions at the United States Merchant Marine Academy. Then in December of 2000 Mr. Murphy was commissioned to Ensign in the Navy before he was then sent to Coronado, California to begin BUD/S training. Upon graduation from BUD/S he attended the U.S. Army Airborne school, SEAL qualification training and SEAL Delivery Vehicle School. After completion of all these rigorous and challenging training schools Michael Murphy earned his SEAL Trident in July of 2002. A right of passage as well as one of the most recognizable military badge in the U.S. Navy.
 

 Military leaders

Military leaders are seen to be a different kind of breed. Like other leaders such a Nelson Mandela and Rosa Parks they fight for a cause. However Military leaders are faced with different challenges that an everyday person in a little position does not face. These leaders are battled tested to the limits, military leaders from all positions must conduct their leadership qualities under the extreme conditions of war. Getting control of their man, making a plan, keeping their men motivated as well as safe all while bullets are ripping past them and explosions going off all over the place. Military leaders have the upmost courage in times when ordinary people would crumble under the pressure, these leaders sacrifice everything including their lives for their country and the man next to him. That is what sets the these leaders apart into a league of their own.

Lt. Michael P. Murphy’s leadership

Lt. Michael Murphy was known for his smile, wise cracking jokes and big heart. An educated man graduating from Penn State with honors and Law school in the near future. Instead he turned it down to go and serve his country, Mike became a Navy Seal and was deployed to Afghanistan several times. However his last deployment solidified him as true American hero and an undeniable leader in the face of battle. Mr. Murphy had both physical and moral courage, in the heat of battle Michael and his men were under heavy fire in the mountains of Afghanistan, noticing that his men were dying Michael moved from cover out into the gun fire. He climbed up a rock into a clearing to place a phone call back to base for reinforcements. Michael was shot in the back three times while making the call, after the call he picked his rifle up and returned fire on the enemy before losing his life. The courage he showed to put his life on the line for he men is uncanny and selfless. Not only did Mr. Murphy possess courage he also showed empathy and understanding for his men. Michael listened to what his men had to say and valued their opinions, on the final mission his team was confronted by Taliban supports in the form of two teenage boys and an elder man. Rather than killing the three he turned them lose showing respect for their lives.  

 

“The best officer I ever knew , an ironed souled warrior of colossal and almost unbelievable courage in the face of the enemy”-Petty officer Marcus Luttrell

 

Medal Of Honor

The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration that a President can bestow. It recognizes gallantry that goes above and beyond the call of duty in the face of an enemy attack. The tradition of awarding this honor began during the Civil War. And many of those who have received the medal have given their lives in the action that earned it. Michael Murphy was awarded the first Medal Of Honor recipient for the war in Afghanistan for his heroic actions in the heat of battle. 

 

USS Michael Murphy (DDG-112)

After receiving the Medal Of Honor Lt. Murphy had a battleship named in his honor. The ship was christened on May 7, 2011 Michael’s birthday and is in active duty as of 2014. The 9,200 ton 510 foot ship serves as tribute to the heroic actions on Lt. Michael Murphy, 323 sailors will take to the seas on the ship.

Completing BUD/S

BUD/S is a 6-month SEAL training course held at the Naval Special Warfare Training Center in Coronado, CA. You’ll start with five weeks Indoctrination and Pre-Training as part of a Navy SEAL Class, then go through the Three Phases of BUD/S. It is one of the hardest if not hardest military training camp in the world, with 80% of those who enroll with drop out before completion of the training. 

 

About the Author

My name is Billy Martin I was born on December 4, 1995 in Huntington on Long Island. I attend Wagner College on Staten Island where I also play for the men’s Lacrosse team.

 1904193_10202225089685413_3150467056885353147_n

Bibliography 

Books

1. Luttrell, Marcus. Lone Survivor. New York: Little, Brown, 2007. Print.

2. Warner, Christopher. “Engaged Leadership: A Method for Linking the Professional Ethic and Battlefield Behaviors.” Military Review. Sept-Oct. 2011, 61-69. Print.

3. Williams, Gary. SEAL of Honor: Operation Red Wings and the Life of Lt. Michael P. Murphy, USN. Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute, 2010. Print.

Journal Article

  1. Latimer, Clay. “Michael Murphy, A SEAL Who Fought To The End Dig Deep: The Navy Lieutenant Kept Aim at the Taliban.” Michael Murphy, A SEAL Who Fought To The End Dig Deep: The Navy Lieutenant Kept Aim at the Taliban (2012): n. pag. Investor’s Business Daily, Inc. Web. <Investor’s Business Daily, Inc>.
  2. Hutchison, Phillip J. “Leadership as an Ideograph: A Rhetorical Analysis of Military Leadership Training Material.” Journal of Leadership Studies7.3 (2013): 24-37. Web.
  3. Lindsay, Douglas R., David V. Day, and Stanley M. Halpin. “Shared Leadership in the Military: Reality, Possibility, or Pipedream?” Military Psychology23.5 (2011): 528-49. Web.

Newspaper article

1.Smerconish,, Michael. Philadelphia Inquirer. Michael P. Murphy, Leadership in battle.